Choosing the perfect gown for your wedding is a tough thing to do. In the best of circumstances it can take hours of searching and trying on dresses.  When you’re on a tight budget it becomes significantly more stressful. Designer dresses are very tempting when you are a bride, but it’s easy to overspend. When shopping you need to have a clear idea of what you want in a dress and what you want to spend on it. Every bride wants a beautiful dress, but not at an astronomical price.

Here are a few tips on how to shop for a wedding dress without breaking the bank.

1. Borrow a Worn Dress

Have you considered borrowing your mother’s wedding gown? Getting married in your mother’s dress can be a wonderful way to honor your relationship with her. And if you happen to love the dress – all the better! There are ways to customize your mother’s old gown and make it look modern. Another option is to find a friend or family member who is your size and see if they are willing to lend you their dress.

2. Rent a Dress

Renting a dress might not be the most romantic solution for your memorable experience, but it is one of the most economical options – the fact that you will be wearing the dress for only a day is reason enough to rent instead of buying. There are a variety of options you can choose from and no one needs to know that it is a rented dress. Make sure the dress is well fitted and flattering, and it will be just as beautiful as a purchased dress!

3. Buy your Wedding Dress “Off the Rack”

Buying a dress off the rack usually means buying one of the sample dresses that are displayed in bridal stores. These dresses come in limited sizes, but they can be a good option for many brides. These gowns are usually heavily discounted, and even if the size isn’t perfect, alterations can fix that. Bridal stores also run special promotions; for example, retailers like Bridal Suite often have big sales, which offer significant savings on dresses.

4. Shop Early

Early shoppers have a massive advantage when it comes to staying within budget. Wedding gowns almost never fit perfectly; several fittings and alterations are usually necessary. If you wait until the last minute to buy a dress, you may have to pay rush fees on both the dress order and the alterations.   

5. Keep an Open Mind

Maybe you always had one particular dress in mind, but you find it’s way outside your budget. So don’t get hung up on any one dress and keep an open mind. When you see a dress that you even slightly like, try it on – dresses look very different on a hanger than they do on a person. The dress you almost ignored just might turn out to be your dream dress!

In a nutshell, shop early and keep your eyes out for sales and special promotions. Find a way to borrow a dress or look into rentals. Consider all your options and you are guaranteed to find a dress that makes you feel beautiful.